Foshan, a city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, is leveraging its ecological water-town landscape to develop water-based recreation hubs and boost tourism growth. During the recent long holiday, a leisure outdoor sports carnival centered on water activities attracted large numbers of visitors from Hong Kong, Macao, and overseas, allowing them to experience Lingnan culture alongside modern sports. Inbound tourism saw significant growth during the event.

Across Foshan’s waterways, thrilling dragon boat races marked the start of the carnival. Visitors could camp, play sports, jog, and watch dragon boat races on scenic islands, or get closer to the water through activities such as paddleboarding and surfing, immersing themselves in the natural charm of the Lingnan water town.

Visitors from Hong Kong, Macao, and abroad praised the beautiful and relaxing environment as well as the wide variety of activities, saying the experience made it hard to leave. Local officials said more water sports events will be introduced in the future, integrating sports with the ecological landscape to attract even more sports enthusiasts and tourists.